Activated polymer materials and process for making same

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns non-porous, polymeric articles having active properties, and methods for producing such articles. Plastic, rubber, or other natural and synthetic polymeric articles are provided with active chemical and/or physical properties, such as, antibacterial, antifungal, pesticidal, insecticidal, animal repellent, odorous, antistatic, electrically conductive or other properties or combinations of properties, by applying to a surface of the article selected activating agents which migrate or move throughout the body of the article to impart an effective level of activity throughout the article and/or on a surface other than the one to which the activating agents have been applied.

I United States Patent 1 [111 3,864,468 Hyman et al. 14 1 Feb. 4, 1975 [54] ACTIVATED POLYMER MATERIALS AND 2,899,77l 8/1959 Burris i. 43/124 PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME Eeagy an sman e a. Inventors: Seymour y New Y k, NY; 3,705,938 12/1972 Hyman et a1. 424/19 Bruce S. Bernstein, Somerville, N.J.; Ramesh Kapoor Seaford Primary Examiner-Shep K. Rose [73] Assignee: Herculite Protective Fabrics Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sughrue, Rothwell, Mion,

Corporation, New York, NY. Zinn & MacPeak [22] Filed: May 19, 1972 [21 Appl. No.: 255,250 [57] ABSTRACT Related U S Appficafion Data This invention concerns non-porous, polymeric articles having active properties, and methods for produc- [60] gg' gg g b l 9 i fi g'gg' ing such articles. Plastic, rubber, or other natural and g gggzggsg 0 synthetic polymeric articles are provided with active chemical and/or physical properties, such as, antibac- [52] U S m 424/16 424/27 424/29 terial, antifungal, pesticidal, insecticidal, animal repelh lent, odorous, antistatic, electrically conductive or [51] Int Cl 5 other properties or combinations of properties, by ap- [58] i 131432. plying to a surface of the article selected activating 27 agents which migrate or move throughout the body of the article to impart an effective level of activity throughout the article and/or on a surface other than [56] E SX$E SX the one to which the activating agents have been applied. 2,315,772 4/1943 Closs 43/131 2,808,679 10/1957 Collins 43/131 10 Claims, No Drawings 1 ACTIVATED POLYMER MATERIALS AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional of U.S. Application Ser. No. 112,053 filed Feb. 2, 1971, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,938. The foregoing application in turn was a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 593,267 filed Nov. 10, 1966, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to non-porous, natural and synthetic polymeric articles having chemical and- /or physical or other active properties or combinations of properties. The invention also relates to methods for preparing such articles.

More specifically, the invention relates to polymeric articles having active properties and to the manufacture of such articles by applying to a surface of the article selected activating agents which are capable, in migrating or moving throughout the body of the article, of imparting an effective level of activity throughout the article and/or on a surface other than the one to which the activating agents have been applied.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is known in the art that active properties can be imparted to polymeric articles by a variety of methods. One common method is to incorporate one or more activating agents into the polymeric compound during the mixing or blending phase prior to processing or manufacturing the article. Activation is accomplished by thoroughly distributing the activating agents throughout the compounding ingredients. For example, synthetic thermoplastics, natural and synthetic rubbers and other polymeric materials have been blended with activating agents such as, antibacterial, antistatic, electrically conductive and other chemically or physically active agents. The activated polymeric materials are then formed into sheets, fibers, rods or other configurations, by molding, casting, extruding, calendering and- /or other manufacturing or processing operations.

This method has many shortcomings. Often, certain active properties cannot be obtained, as when the presence of the activating agents in the polymeric compound causes difficulties during the processing, shaping and/or finishing of the article. In calendering, for example, the presence of the active ingredient often makes it difficult to attain an integral film. Activating agents which decompose or volatilize at the processing temperatures normally required for calendering cannot be incorporated in the pre-mix compound. Also, activating agents producing toxic vapors during processing require expensive manufacturing procedures, controls and equipment.

Another serious shortcoming of this method is that components, such as polymeric film used in laminates, must be produced with the activating agents incorporated in them prior to conversion to the finished article. When similar articles are made from active and inactive components, such as laminates made from active and inactive calendered polymeric film, the films must be kept in stock in both active and inactive grades. lf various types of activity are desired, stocks must be maintained having each type of activity, which is an expensive procedure.

A second method widely used to impart certain active properties to the exposed or working surface is to apply a compound containing active agents to that surface. For example, anti-fouling marine paints. antifungal sprays and coatings, fire resistant coatings and antistatic coatings have been applied to the surface of the article. The activity of such coatings is superficially skin deep" and surface activity is lost to the extent that the activated coating peels or is mechanically abraded, chipped or washed away from the inactive substrate. While this method affords certain flexibility in providing an activated surface, it is at best subject to severe limitations of available range of active ingredients that can be applied in this manner plus limited service life and efficiency.

Another method for the production of activated articles is to expose the article to the vapors of a volatilized chemical. This ancient technique has long been applied to textiles, polymer sheets, or the like and comprises vaporizing a volatile agent, usually a biologically active agent, and then exposing the textile or other article to the vapors. A major disadvantage of this method, how ever, is that it requires special buildings, ventilation and recovery equipment, and safety. procedures. Since the active agent has a volatilization temperature which necessarily is much lower than the melting point of the article to which the activating vapors are applied, the activation may be readily lost where the article is exposed to elevated temperatures. Thus, the treated material may be rapidly deactivated when subjected to wet or dry heat, for example, by exposure to steam sterilization or other high temperature washing procedure, intense sunlight, etc.

An important object of this invention, therefore, is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method for activating non-porous polymeric articles by applying the activating agents to one surface of the article so that the agents migrate throughout the body of the article and impart an effective level of activity throughout the article and on surfaces to which the activating agent has not been applied. The articles made by this method comprise an active layer which is applied on one surface of the article, and which contains an active migrating agent. The concentration of the agent is in excess of the concentration needed to provide an effective level of activity in the layer, and is suffieient, upon migration of the agent from the layer, to impart an effective level of activity throughout the entire article. The high concentration of the active migrating agent in the layer also provides a reservoir of activating material capable of replenishing the effective surface activity of the article.

The methods and products of this invention do not require extreme processing conditions so that volatile activating agents are conveniently used at normal temperatures; toxic agents can be handled safely; and a wide variety of inactive polymers can be given almost any desired activation. Only stocks of inactive articles are needed and the desired activation may be applied when desired. The activated article has long lasting properties which persist even if a surface layer is removed and which are replenished from the reservoir of activating agent contained within the active layer.

Disclosures of procedures representative of the prior art known to applicants are to be found in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 359,166, Mathieu, issued Mar. 8, 1887; 2,272,397, Becher, issued Feb. 10, 1942; 2,770,566,

3 Ritter, issued Nov. 13, 1956; 2,785,106, Mendelsohn, issued Mar. 12, 1957; 2,919,200, Dubin et al, issued Dec. 29, 1959; 2,933,401, Schmitz-l-Iellebrecht, issued Apr. 19, 1960; 3,096,183, Geuth, issued July 2, 1963', 3,247,058, Hyman, issued Apr. 19, 1966; 3,279,986, Hyman, issued Oct. 18, 1966; 3,288,669, Hecken bleikner, issued Nov. 29, 1966; 3,308,488, Schoonman, issued Mar. 14, 1967.

THE INVENTION IN BRIEF This invention generally comprises the production of non-porous, polymeric articles having active properties by applying to the surface of a preformed polymeric article a layer containing a selected activating agent which migrates through the body of the polymeric article to impart active properties throughout the article and/or on surfaces not contacted by the layer.

Specifically, the present invention concerns the introduction of chemically and physically active properties into a preformed article of non-porous polymeric material. The active properties which are introduced into the polymeric article include, but are not limited to, chemical properties, such as, biological properties, for example, antibacterial, antifungal, odorous, pesticidal, repellent and insecticidal properties, and physical properties, such as, electrically conductive, and antistatic properties, and combinations of such active chemical and physical properties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention may be applied to any non-porous polymeric article, regardless of the shape or configuration of the article, or the process by which the article is formed.

The activated article may be in any form, for example, single sheets or multi-ply laminates, films, rods, fibers, woven and non-woven fabrics, etc., and the article may have been produced by any molding, shaping or fabricating method, such as, casting, extrusion, calendering, or any other conventional forming process.

The non-porous, polymeric articles to which the invention may be applied comprise any natural or synthetic material, including any natural or synthetic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer.

Articles of polymeric materials, used to protect man and his possessions from the environment may be made by the present invention. Activated polymeric articles, whether reinforced, or combined with other materials, are especially suited to production by the present method. Items which can be produced by the present method include protective coverings for equipment, livestock and materials, protective clothing, mattress ticking, hospital, hotel, motel, school fabrics, upholstery, wall coverings, curtains, packaging, tubing, floor tiles, floor coverings, plastic laminated furniture, counter tops, plastic clad metals, liners and coverings for food processing equipment and installations.

The invention is particularly useful in the production of actiated polymeric articles in the form of rigid or flexible sheets or films, in single or multi-ply products, including laminates incorporating a rigid substrate or flexible scrim or other woven or non-woven reinforcing, backing or facing components.

The activating agents may be applied in solid or liquid form by any suitable procedure. The activating agent may be applied and maintained as a liquid encapsulated between plies of a laminate or may be set or hardened to solid form. The activating agent may be applied as a solid, such as, a preformed layer or as a layer of discrete particles. Depending on the characteristics of the activating agent, it can be conveniently dis- 5 solved or dispersed in a solvent or carrier vehicle which is then applied to the surface of the polymeric substrate, or it may be applied directly without a solvent binder or carrier vehicle, or the like.

More specifically, in many instances it is convenient to apply the active agent as a solution in a volatile solvent; a solution or dispersion in a liquid vehicle composed of a resin binder in an aqueous or other emulsion; a solution or dispersion of the active agent in a 100 percent solids vehicle; or a solution or dispersion in a combination of vehicles including solutions, emulsions and 100 percent solids vehicles.

Any procedure, such as, coating, spraying, dipping, immersion, printing, dusting, or sheet-to-sheet bonding or laminating may be utilized to achieve the necessary contact between the activating agent and the polymeric substrate, so that an effective level of activation may be imparted to the polymeric article. The process does not depend upon specific temperatures, pressures, and contact times, and may be effected under ambient conditions or under elevated temperature and/or pressure, depending on the method employed. Most activating agents impart effective activity throughout the article within approximately one week. Some activating agents may impart effective activity more quickly, while others may take a somewhat longer period of time to impart an effective level of activity.

As noted above, the invention may be utilized to produce polymers having chemical activity, including but not limited to biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, pesticidal, insecticidal, animal repellent and odorous properties; and physical activity, including but not limited to antistatic and electrically conductive properties.

One embodiment of the present, invention relates to a process for producing biologically active, e.g., antibacterial, polymeric materials and to the resulting products. Specifically, this aspect of the invention relates to antibacterial materials incorporating a body of non-porous polymer, such as, one or more films of plastlC.

Various fibers, fabrics and combinations thereof having antibacterial activity are well known. Such products have been widely used in hospitals, laboratories, shops, homes, and in the outdoors as protective covers, mattress and pillow ticking and covers, wall coverings, etc. Most of these articles are often repeatedly subjected to high temperature washing operations and tend to lose their antibacterial activity over the period of use.

This embodiment provides a process for producing antibacterial polymeric articles, such as, plastic sheet materials in which the antibacterial properties are present throughout the body of the plastic sheet and imparts an effective level of antibacterial activity on the surface of the sheet opposite to the surface to which the active polymeric liquid composition has been applied.

This antibacterial activity is effective against bacteria, including both gram positive and gram negative organisms.

The active polymeric liquid composition may then be set to form a solid film on the surface of the plastic sheet. As a result, the product exhibits effective antibacterial activity on both surfaces and throughout the body of the plastic sheet.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, an activated polymeric liquid composition is introduced as a core layer between outer plies of flexible sheets of polymeric material, at least one of which is a flexible sheet of non-porous polymeric material. After setting of the polymeric liquid composition as a core layer to form a solid laminated product, the migration of the antibacterial agent from the core through the outer ply of non-pourous polymeric material is found to have imparted an effective level of antibacterial activity to the outer surface of the ply.

In the manufacture of laminated materials, as above described, very valuable commercial materials are obtained by using two outer plies of non-pourous, polymeric sheet material, such as, flexible polyvinyl chloride sheets or films, and by reinforcing the structure with a textile element between the outer plies to provide an especially tough, durable and abrasion resistant material.

In practicing the invention with respect to single or multi-ply polymer sheet applications, there may be used as the sheet of polymer, which is substantially non-porous, any polymeric material which is capable of being formed into a self-supporting continuous sheet or film, having adequate mechanical properties to withstand normal handling, abrasion, etc. The polymeric material in sheet form must be substantially nonporous. Suitable materials include various hydrocarbon polymers, such as, rubber, and olefins, for example, polyethylene and polypropylene, imide, amide, ester, urethane, carbonate, cellulosic, halocarbon, ionomer, vinyl, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and other polymers, and their blends, interpolymers and copolymers.

Polyvinyl chloride films are especially useful in the invention. While thickness of the sheet material is not critical, and articles of around 0.100 inches thick can be produced, excellent results have been obtained with single sheets having a thickness of about 0.015 inches,

and with multi-ply laminates having a combined thick ness of about 0.030 inches.

The polymeric liquid composition which is applied to the surface of the polymer substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, may include any liquid composition capable of being set to form a solid film of plastic on the surface of the base sheet. Thus, the term should be understood to include plastisols, polymer solutions, polymer-in-liquid emulsions, and 100% solids liquid polymers.

As the antibacterial agent, there may be employed any antibacterial material capable of being carried in the polymeric liquid composition and capable of migrating through the polymer base sheet.

Where a reinforcing element of closely woven, loosely woven or non-woven textile is employed in the production of laminated products, any suitable fiber, such as, cotton, nylon, polyester, fiber glass or other fi bers, may be employed.

Where flexible or rigid laminated materials are prepared, the polymeric liquid composition is preferably a plastisol or other adhesive which bonds together outer plies of the non-porous, polymeric sheets and may also bond the outer plies to rigid substrates, such as wood or metal, or to flexible substrates, such as reinforcing fabrics, for example, a nylon scrim or other textile fabric. Laminates may also be formed by bonding a single ply of the non-porous polymer to a layer of reinforcing material by means of the plastisol adhesive. For example, a particle board or other rigid substrates may be surfaced with a non-porous polymeric film, such as wood grain printed polyvinylchloride film using an adhesive containing an antibacterial activating agent which migrates through the polymeric film to impart effective antibacterial activity to the outer surfaces. Such products may be used as counter tops or furniture components in hospitals, bathrooms and other areas requiring these properties.

The invention as applied to biologically active products will be more fully appreciated in the light of the following examples. In connection with these examples, certain tests were employed to evaluate the effectivness of the method of the invention in imparting active properties in inactive polymeric article.

in the evaluation of the invention relative to antibacterial effectiveness, the following four tests were employed:

(A) NYS-63 Antibacterial Test Method 1. Test bacteria were transferred daily in American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Bacteriostasis Broth containing 5 percent dextrose. A 0.01 ml sample of a 24 hour broth culture was transferred and incubated at 37C.

2. Culture media used in the tests were of the following compositions:

a. AATCC Broth:

(a) AATCC Broth:

tre mtm m Peptone Sodium Chloride Beef Extract Distilled Water 100 b. Letheen Broth:

(b) Lelheen llrolh:

Part

Lecithin (arolectin) Sorbitan Monoleate (Tween Distilled Water Err-a r:

Part 11 Peptone g Sodium Chloride 5 g Beef Extract g Distilled Water ml Peptone 10 g Sodium Chloride 5 g Beef Extract 5 g Agar agar 15 g Distilled Water 1000 ml 4. The antibacterial test procedure was as follows: a. Size of lnoculum Per Sample and rapidly established by a suitable counting method;

b. Size and Shape of Test Sample Cut one square inch discs from the test material.

c. Controls Samples of control material containing no antibacterial agent shall be inoculated in the same manner as thei 10 test samples.

d. Inoculation of Polymer Two or three bottom sections of X 10 mm. disposable tissue culture dishes (Falcon catalogue No. 1008) shall be placed in standard Petri dishes containing l0 15 ml. of sterile distilled water. Place 0.2 ml. of a 24 hour broth culture containing 10 organisms in the center of each disposable tissue culture dish. The test and control discs shall then be placed in the disposable tissue culture dishes with treated surface in contact with the Z0 inoculum. The covers shall then be replaced on the standard Petri dishes. The latter shall be placed on a level shelf in an incubator at 37C. This procedure provides for optimal growth of the bacteria at 100 percent relative humidity.

e. Incubation The samples shall be incubated at 37C for 24 hours.

f. Sampling of Inoculated Swatches After incubation for the prescribed periods, the dispossable tissue culture dishes containing the sample shall be removed from the Petri dish by means of a flamed forceps and placed into ml. of letheen broth in an 8 oz. wide mouth jar. Shake vigorously for about one minute after sample and tissue culture dish are separated. Make serial dilutions and place in AATCC bacteriostasis agar.

g. Incubate plates for 24 to 48 hours at 37C.

h. Calculate percentage reduction of the inoculum by treated samples vs. untreated samples.

B. NYS-63 Modified Antibacterial Test Tripticase Soy Broth is used instead of Letheen Broth.

C. Agar Plate Method AATCC Method 90-1965T D. Modified Agar Plate Method AATCC Test Method 90-l965T-Appendix A-l-(Seed Layer) With reference to the NYS-63 test for antibacterial activity, an effective level of such activity is considered to be one which gives at least percent reduction in bacteria growth as compared with a control sample.

With respect to the Agar Plate Method and Modified Agar Plate Method tests for antibacterial activity, an effective level of such activity is judged by visual obser-' vation of a zone ofinhibition of bacteria growth around a specimen. If there is any observable zone of inhibition around the specimen, the level of activity is judged to be effective.

In connection with the following group of examples: in which antibacterial activity is evaluated by the forela) Sl Aureus I lgrain positive) going test methods A-D inclusive, the evaluations were made with reference to the following bacteria:

E. Fungistatic Test Method In evaluating effectiveness of the invention to impart fungistatie properties to unactivated polymeric articles,

the following test procedure was employed:

3. Pour Nu trie rit-salts agar into s ter ile petri dish and let it solidify. The nutrient salts were prepared as described in ASTM D-l924-63 Test Method.

b. Place test sample disc, along with a control, on top of agar.

c. A piece of sterile filter paper, slightly smaller than the Petri dish, is then placed over the top of the test sample discs and the whole plate is then sprayed (from a sterile atomizer) with a prepared spore suspension of Chaetomium Globosum, or other fungi spores.

d. The dish is then covered with a lid and placed in the incubator at 28 30C. Results based on visual observation of inhibition are recorded at 7-day intervals for a total of 21 days.

e. Growth above the test disc is compared with growth above the untreated control disc to determine effectiveness.

With reference to the antifungal test method the level of activity is determined by visual observation of the relative inhibition of fungal growth over a specimen, when compared with a control sample. The extent of fungal inhibition was graded as follows: total, high. moderate, low and no inhibition. The level of activity is considered effective where moderate or greater inhibition is observed.

Further, with respect to the following examples, a studied effort was made to demonstrate the efficacy of the invention as applied to systems comprising all of the common polymeric substrate materials and representatives of the major categories of biologically active chemical compounds. Thus, phenolic, metallo-organic,

inorganic metal salt, organic sulfur, antibiotic, quaternary amine, carbonyl, carbocyclic and halogenated earbocyclic, and other biologically active compounds were successfully employed in accordance with the invention.

Not every biologically or otherwise active agent successfully migrates in each polymeric substrate to impart the desired level of activity and a certain amount of selection is required on the part of those practicing this invention. However, operable systems embodying all of the common commercial polymers and the recognized types of biologically active agents or other active agents have been demonstrated and other systems incorporating these and other related materials will be seen to be feasible on the basis of this disclosure.

In the following examples, the biologically active agents which have been utilized are identified as follows:

American Type Culture Ciilleetion American Type Culture Collection I American Type Culture Collection American Type Culture Collection American Type Culture Collection Organic Sulfur Mereuric chloride Paraformaldchyde 'l'etracycline H(l Mercury hichluridc Trioxynicthylcne 4-( Dimethyl amino)- 1 .4.4=l.5. 5a.6.l1.12a-octa-hydro-3.6.l0.

12.1 1'a penta-hydroity-b methyl- I.

l l-dioxo 2-naphthaccnccarboxamidc dimcthyl bcnzyl ammonium chloride. monohydratc n-Alkyl dimcthyl bertzyl ammonium chloride Hyaminc 3500 Tri-n-hutyltin linoleatc 'l'ri-n-butyltin monopropylcneglycol malcale 'l'ri'n-batyltin acetate EXAMPLE 1 There was provided a sheet of polyvinyl chloride film iaving a thickness of 0.00375 inches. One surface of the film was then coated with a plastisol coating containing about 3 percent by weight of the film of tri-nbutyltin neodecanoate as an antibacterial agent. The plastisol was prepared by dispersing 100 parts of polyvinyl chloride resin and about 8 parts of calcium carbonate in about 100 parts of dioctylphthalate and then dispersing 13.5 parts of tri-n-butyltin neodecanoate into 200 parts of plastisol. The plastisol was stirred until uniform and the coating was applied to the base sheet in a thickness of about 0.002 inches.

The antibacterial properties of the resulting product are then determined by the NYS-63 Method.

Control experiments were also performed concur-. rently and the per cent reduction in growth in the presence of the antibacterial agent was observed. This procedure has also been used to test for inhibition of the growth of gram negative bacteria such as Escherichia Coli. The tests of the material produced in accordance with Example 1 showed that the uncoated side of the polyvinyl chloride film gave a 90 percent reduction in. bacterial growth in comparison with the control material. The coated side of the resulting material gives a 96: percent reduction in bacterial growth.

The amount of antibacterial agent employed in this and the following examples is sufficient to provide up to about 5 percent by weight of the combined weight of the inactive polymer layers, after drying of the liquid polymer composition. i

EXAMPLE 2 A sheet of polyvinyl chloride film having a thickness of 0.013 inches was coated with a plastisol composilnorganic Metal Salt Carbonyl Anliotic hydrochloride BioMe-Tli Diphenylstibine 2-ctliyl hexoate Metallo-Organic Pyrethrins Carbocyclic.

Carbonyl Piperonyl Butoxide Synergistic with Pyrethrins Hexachlorophene 2.2-Mcthy1encbis 3.4.6-tri- Phenolic chlorophenol Hyaminc 1622 Diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyl Organic Salt Quaternary Organic ilt Metasol BT Phenylmcrcuric borate Mclallo-organic Chlordane 1.2.45.6] .8.8-Octach|oro3a. Halogcnatcd 4.7.7a-tctrahydro-4.7-methanoindan Carhocyclic Fungitrol ll N-ttrichloromethylthio)phthalimidc Organic Sulfur Methyl noriyl kctone Carbonyl Tri-n-butyltin neodecanoatc Metallo-organic l(l l(l'-oxybisphcnoxyarsinc Mctallo-organic Copper-R-quinolinolate Mctallo-organic Mctallo-organic Metallo-organic Melallo-organit' tion, as described in Example 1. but containing about 3 percent, based on total polyvinyl chloride film weight, of a solution of 10.l0'-oxybisphenoxyarsine in epoxidized soybean oil as the antibacterial agent.

The coated polyvinyl chloride film was then overlayed with a piece of nylon scrim and a second sheet of polyvinyl chloride film, this one having a thickness of 0.00375 inches. The laminate was allowed to set under suitable conditions of heat and pressure until an integral, firmly bonded product was obtained.

Upon testing by the NYS-73 Method, it was found that the outer surface of 0.013 inches thick polyvinyl chloride film gave a 99.6 percent reduction and the outer surface of the 0.00375 inch polyvinyl chloride film a 99.7 percent reduction in bacterial growth when tested against S. Aureus, as compared with a control sample.

EXAMPLE 3 A fabric was prepared by coating a 0.00375 inchpolyvinyl chloride film with a plastisol containing pol- The resulting fabric evidenced a 99.4 percent reduc tion in bacterial growth on one outer surface and a 99.5 percent reduction on the other, as compared with a control sample.

A A 'EXAMPEE'I T Two 0100375 inch polyvinyl chlorid film elements were laminated to a nylon reinforcing element by means of the same plastisol composition and conditions as was used in Examples 1 and 2. except that no antibacterial agent was present in the plastisol. This control experiment showed only a 42 percent reduction in bacterial growth was observed on one side of the product and percent reduction on the opposite side.

EXAMPLE 5 A 0.00375 inch thick sheet of polyvinyl chloride film was coated with a water-based emulsion of polyvinyl chloride, Geon 576, containing about 1.5 percent by weight of copper-8-quinolinolate based on the weight of Geon 576. The film of the water-based polymer was drawn down on the vinyl film and then dried.

Upon testing, the product showed a 95.5 percent reduction in bacterial growth on the untreated side, as compared with a control sample.

EXAMPLE 6 A 0.00375 inch thick polyvinyl chloride base sheet was coated with a 100 percent solids liquid polymer system consisting of Epon 828-triethylenetetramine which is cured in the presence of about 5 percent of the antibacterial solution used in Example 2, based on the total weight of the laminate. A nylon scrim element was applied as a backing to the polyvinyl chloride base sheet. The liquid polymer system contains no solvent or water as a carrier. A 98.5 percent reduction in bacterial growth was observed on the outer side of the polyvinyl chloride base sheet and a 98.6 percent reduction was observed on the other side of the product.

EXAMPLE 7 The same material was prepared as in the preceding Example except that the antibacterial agent was omitted. A 0 percent reduction in bacterial growth was observed on both sides.

EXAMPLE 8 A sheet of Aclar. a fluoro haloearbon film, and having a thickness of 0.001 inch, was coated with the plastisol composition of Example 1 containing about 5 percent of the antibacterial solution of Example 2, based upon film weight. After setting of the plastisol, the material was tested and showed an 84 percent reduction in bacterial growth on the outer side of the Aclar sheet. A 98 percent reduction in bacterial growth was observed on the plastisol coated side.

EXAMPLE 9 Material was prepared in the same manner as in the preceding Example, except that the antibacterial agent was omitted. A 0 percent reduction in bacterial growth was observed on the outer side or surface of the Aclar base sheet and only a 10 percent reduction was observed on the plastisol side.

EXAMPLE 10 A laminated fabric was prepared under the CO l 1 d i tions of Example 1 from two sheets of 0.00375 inch polyvinyl chloride film and a woven nylon scrim element using the plastisol of Example 1 as an adhesive, except that 22 parts of tri-butyltin linoleate to 100 parts of plastisol was used as the antibacterial agent. Sufficient plastisol was used to apply about 5 percent of antibacterial agent based on film weight. An average bacterial growth reduction of 89 percent is observed on 12 the surfaces of the laminate, when compared with a control sample.

EXAMPLE 1] Material was prepared as in Example 10, except that 13 parts of the same antibacterial solution as was used in Example 2 were employed as the antibacterial agent EXAMPLE 12 An antibacterial material was prepared as in Example 10, except that 2.3 parts of tributyltin monopropylene glycol maleate is employed as the antibacterial agent and the concentration of antibacterial agent was about 0.5 percent based on the film weight. An average reduction in bacterial growth of 96 percent is observed on the surfaces of the laminate when compared with a control sample.

EXAMPLE 13 The same material was prepared as in Example 10, except that a combination of 13 parts of the antibacterial solution as was used in Example 2 (about 3 percent based on film weight) and 2.3 parts of tributyltin sulfosalicylate (about 0.5 percent based on film weight) are employed as the antibacterial agent. An average reduction in bacterial growth of 99 percent isobserved on the surfaces of the laminate when compared with a control sample.

It will be seen from the data that the method of the invention as described above imparts antibacterial activity to the entire system.

Samples were subjected to wash cycles in a Kenmore Electric washer and to autoclave treatment. .Each washing machine cycle involved a ten minute wash and three minute rinse, with the wash temperature being 135 i 5F, and the rinse temperature being 10F. The autoclave treatment was at 222 :t 6F for three hours at a pressure of l-5 psi. During the washing cycle, /1 cup of Ivory Snow was used for each 17 gallons of water (full capacity). Sufficient specimens for testing were removed after various cycles and the wash/rinse/autoclave cycle treatment was repeated. Samples were tested for reduction in bacterial growth after the following treatment and compared to unwashed samples:

WASH CYCLES AUTOCLAVE CYCLES 8 l 6 2 l0 3 l5 4 20 5 25 6 polymeric articles in accordance with the present technique.

It will also be apparent from the following series of examples that combinations of antibacterial agents may; be selected to impart effective antibacterial activity against a number of different species of organisms. Likewise, it is demonstrated that a single biological agent or combination of such agents may be selected to provide a polymeric article having a combination of antibacterial, antifungal and other activities, such as, pesticidal, repellent, and odorous activities. In an additional important embodiment of the invention, combinations of chemical and physical properties may be imparted to polymeric articles in accordance with the invention. For example, antibacterial, antifungal, odorous and antistatic properties may all be combined in a polymeric substrate, such as, single or multi-ply fabrics to provide highly desirable products for use in hospitals or other environment where such a combination of properties is very advantageous.

1n the following series of examples, a wide variety of common, commercially available polymer materials were treated in accordance with the invention to impart chemical activity. Special emphasis was placed on the selection of polymers of widely different chemical types to demonstrate the general application of the invention to non-porous polymer substrates. Commercially avaialble species of most of the prominent commercial types of polymers were utilized and found to be satisfactory for the practice of this invention in combination with selected activating agents.

Likewise, a studied effort was made in the following examples to demonstrate the efficacy of this invention when applied to a wide variety of different types of commercially available biologically active agents.

laminate constructions used in these examples are designated in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Sheet or Description of Construction of Sheet or Laminate Laminate Type Film/Plastisol Containing Activating Agent/Film Film/Volatile Solvent Containing Binder Resin and Activating Agent Cloth/Film Containing Activating Agent/Cloth Film/Plastisol Containing Activating Agent/Nylon/Film Film/Solid Activating Agent(no hinder or (solvent)/Film Film/Liquid Activating Agent( no binder or (so1vent)/Film Film/Film (inactive system) Film/Plastisol/Nylon/Film (inactive system) In Table l, the plastisol referred to is a plastisol composition of polyvinyl chloride resin in plasticizers as 20 given in Example 1. Solutions used were selected from 35 scribed asjollows'.

Chemical Description N- Thus, phenolic, metallo-organic, inorganic metal salt, organic sulfur, antibiotic, quaternary amine, carbonyl, Aclar Polychlorotrifluoroethylene carbocyclic and halogenated carbocyclic, and other bi- Pdyvmyl flumde uftane Polyester urethane ologtcally active compounds were successfully em- 40 Kapmn poiybenzimidazole ployed in accordance with the invention. y" A i g y 3 p y f 1 v I e a 1n the following series of examples, the invention was applied to a wide variety of polymer sheet materials of g lylar Polyethylene terephthalate varying construction. The different types of sheet and chlmde TABLE 2 Nominal Inactive "/1 Active Construction Code Film Agent Antibacterial Test Ex. Coating Solution No. Thickness Based On Bacterial Percent Antifungal No. and Substrate Polymer (inches) Total Weight Biological Species Reducing inhibition 14 B-Z Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004 0.6. Dowicidc A S.A. 89 High 15 13-2 Polyethylene 0.00125 2.83 Dowicide A S.A. 49 Moderate Not Tested 16 8-2 Polyethylene 0.00125 0.51 Dowicidc A (NT) Moderate 17 13-2 Aclar 0.00. 0.95 Metasol 57 S.A. 99.9 Total 18 B-2 Cellulose Acetate 0.002 0.23 Metasol 57 S.A. 99.9 NT 19 13-2 Cellulose Acetate 0.002 0.58 Metasol 57 S.A. 97.3 NT 20 5-; Tedlar 0.00: 0.46 Arquad s-so S.A. 21 NT 21 8-2 'ledlar 0.002 0.14 Arquatl 5-50 SA. 0 NT 22 B 2 Tuftune 0.005 0.71 Arquatl S-50 S.A. 31 NT 3 13-3 Nylon 0.001 0.92 Cuptnn S.A. 90 High 24 13-3 Nylon 0.001 0.40 Captan S.A. 98.8 Moderate 25 13-3 Polyethylene 0.00125 2.0 Capt-an NT High 26 13-3 Polyethylene 0.00125 0.49 Captan S.A. 99.7 NT 27 13-2 Nylon 0.001 0.16 TBTSS S.A. 99.7 NT 214 B-2 Kapton 0.002 0.37 Mereurie Chloride S.A. 99.7 None 29 13-2 Mylar 0.005 042 Mercurie Chloride S.A. 99.7 Low 30 13-2 Mylar 0.00.5 0.19 Paral'ormaldehytlc S.A. 77.5 NT 31 13-1 Surlyn A 0.002 061 Tetracycline HCL S.A. 99.6 NT 32 li-l Surlyn A 0.002 0.72 Tetrae line HCl. S.A. 99.0 NT 33 13-1 Nylon 0.002 0.50 Tetracycline HCl. S.A. 99.7 NT 34 13-1 Nylon 0.002 0.08 Tetracycline HCl. S.A. 99.7 NT 3. 15-2 Polyethylene 0.00125 0.06 'l'llTSS S.A. 99.4 NT 36 B-Z Polyethylene 0.00125 0.37 'lllTSS S.A. 87.1 NT

Film/Plastisol Containing Activating Agent WW,

TABLE 2 Continued Nominal Inactive 9: Active Construction Code Film Agent Antibacterial Test Ex. Coating Solution No. Thickness Based On Bacterial Percent Antifungal No. and Substrate Polymer (inches) Total Weight Biological Species Reducing Inhibition 37 8-2 Tuftane 0.005 4.0 Arquad 5-50 SA. 96.5 NT 38 8-2 Polyethylene 0.00125 3.0 Around 5-50 SA. 0 NT 39 B-Z Polyvinyl Chloride 0.008 4.0 Dowicide A SA. 0 Total 40 [3-2 Mylar 0.005 3.0 Paraformaldehyde SA. 86.8 NT 4l B-Z Saran 0.002 2.0 Mercurie Chloride SA. 90 Total 42 B3 Tedlar 0.002 3.0 Captan SA. 62 Lo 43 8-2 Polyethylene 0002 0.1 BioMeT l4 S.A.. 0 NT 44 8-2 Polyethylene 0.002 l.0 BloMeT l4 SA. 27 None 45 B-l Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004 0.." Hexachlorophene SA. 42.5" Moderate 46 8-1 Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004 3.0 Hexachlorophene SA. 52.6" Moderate 47 8-2 Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004 3.0 Hyaniine l622 SA. 9!.9" NT 48 13-2 Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004 3.0 Hyamine 3500 SA. 86.9 NT 49 [3-2 Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004 1.0 Metasol BT SA. 99.) Total 50 B-l Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004 2.0 l-ungitrol l 1 NT High 5| 8-? Polypropylene 0.00] 25 I .0 ('aptan SA. 37 Low 52 B-2 Polypropylene 0.005 l.0 Meuisol 57 SA. 99.4 Total 53 F. Polyvinyl Chloride 0.0034] 3.0 (aptan SA. 99.) N'l- 0.0034 54 (i Polyvinyl Chloride 0.0034/ None None SA. 0 NT 0.0034 55 D Polyvinyl Chloride 0.0034/ 0.2! BioMeT l-l SA. 99.) NT

0.0034 EL. 99.) PA. 99.7 56 D Polyvinyl Chloride 0.0034/ 0.33 (.aptan SA. 99.) NT

0.0034 E.(. 92.4 7 PA. 50.5 57 D Polyvinyl Chloride 0.0034/ 0.0] BioMeT l4 6; SA. 99.) NT

0.0034 0.30 Captain EC. 82.3 P.A. 86.6 58 D Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004/ 0.30 Captan SA. l.0 mm NT 0.0034 BA. 6.0 min I,

F..('. 0.5mm PM. 0.5mm 59 H4 ('rcpe Ruliher 0.008 l.0 Melasol B l- SA. 98.9 NT

Nous

"'N \'S 6.1 Mmlil'icd 'leal 'Mmlll'ietl Agar llalc Method Results ll [one ol lnlnlutlnn EXAMPLES 60-68 A series of laminated materials were prepared by laminating a polymer film to a sheet of cotton fabric using an aqueous rubber latex adhesive binder containing 6 percent (by weight of the adhesive binder) of a pesticide. The latex utilized was the insecticide Hycar- 1552" and the pesticide was Pyronyl 101, an emulsion concentrate of 1.2 percent pyrethrins and 12.0 per cent piperonyl butoxide. The laminates were tested with corn meal with the polymer film side of the lami- 45 nate facing the grain. After 2 weeks, the corn meal was tested for pesticide to determine the extent of migration of the pesticide from the aqueous rubber latex binder through the polymer film and into the corn meal. The results reported in the following table indi- 50 cate that significant pesticidal migration took place in each instance.

The invention also showed utility in the production of nonporous. polymeric articles having active odorous properties, as shown in the following examples.

EXAMPLE 6) EXAMPLE 70 Example 69 was repeated except for the substititution of a synthetic rose essence for the leather essence TABLE 3 71 Pesticide Determined After Two Weeks Accelerated Exposure Transmitted Through Pesticide/mg/ft Film To Example No. Film Type Thickness (inches) In the Active Layer In Film Fabric Corn Meal 60 Cellophane 0.00l 28.2 9| 9 6l Lexant polycarbonate) 0.002 17.5 78 22 62 Polyester Kodar 0.002 l2.5 76 24 63 Mylar 0.00] 47.5 )6 4 64 Polyamide 0.00] 57.5 )6 4 65 Vinyl 0.002 20.0 8l 1) 66 Polyethylene 0.00] 47. 67 33 67 Lexan 0.002 45.0 )I 9 68 Polyester Kodar 0.002 60.5 )6 4 Note: (ltQuantitative analysis of pesticide was performed colormetrically.

and the use of 0.00875 and 0.0055 inch thick plies of polyvinyl chloride. Immediately after the laminate was formed, the smell test confirmed the presence of a distinct rose-like odor emanating from the outer surface of the laminate.

One of the preferred embodiments of this invention includes the use of a textile fabric. which has been activated by contact with an active layer by migration of the active ingredient into the body of the fibers of the cloth. This effect is independent of the porosity of the fabric, and in fact is not related to the porosity. It has been shown in the prior art that porous substrates may be activated by means of an adhesive containing an active agent introduced between layers of porous material. Examples 71 through 75 demonstrate that it is not necessary that porosity exist in a textile fabric, since, according to this invention, the yarns or fibers themselves may be made to take up the active agent by migration. The advantage of this is that the active ingredient is not easily washed out by laundering, but becomes an integral part of the substrate yarns. As with other products of this invention, active properties on the surfaces of the fibers are continuously replenished from the reservoir of active agent within the active layer.

EXAMPLE 71 A fabric was prepared by placing a cotton woven cloth having a thickness of about 0.015 inch in contact with an active film of polyvinyl chloride containing an antibacterial agent, captan. The captan was present in an amount to provide 0.53 percent of the active agent EXAMPLE 72 A sample was prepared by placing a completely desized cotton textile, 0.012 inch thick, against an active film 0.0055 inch thick and containing 3.0 percent of Metasol BT, based on the total weight of the laminate,

under a pressure of 3.3 psi for 96 hours and allowing the active agent to migrate into the fibers of the textile.

The textile was then separated from the active film and the side which had been out of contact with the active film was tested by the NYS-63 Method for activity against S. Aureus. A 99.9 percent reduction in bacterial growth was observed.

EXAMPLE 73 A 1% inch circle of completely desized cotton fabric was coated around its periphery with a plastisol containing 3.0 percent of Metasol BT based on the total weight of the sample. The plastisoltwas hardened by fusing for five minutes at 350F and cooling. After 96 hours, at room temperature, only the uncoated center of the disc of cotton fabric was cut out and tested for activity against S. Aureus by the NYS-63 Method. A 99.9 percent reduction in bacterial growth was observed.

The application of the invention in the production of polymeric articles having active insecticidal (Example 74) or animal repellent (Example 75) properties is demonstrated in the following examples.

EXAMPLE 74 A laminate of construction B, incorporating a Saran film 0.00075 inch thick, and coating No. 2 containing 1.8 percent of Chlordane, an insecticide, was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Effective migration was evidenced by the presence of crystals of the active agent, Chlordane," on the uncoated surface of the material.

EXAMPLE 75 A laminate of construction B, incorporating a Mylar film 0.00075 inch thick and coating No. 3 containing 2.2 percent of methyl nonyl ketone was tested as in Example 74 and gave positive evidence of effective migration of the active agent.

Other examples of the application of the invention to the production of antibacterial materials are set forth below.

EXAMPLE 76 (A) A first, integral multi-ply material was produced by laminating together two plies of polyvinyl chloride incorporating 0.4 percent (by weight based upon the total weight of the laminate) of the active antibacterial agent bis(tri-n-butyltin)sulfosalicylate (the antibacterial agent disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,986). A layer of plastisol adhesive was employed to assist the bonding of the plies, and a nylon reinforcing fabric or scrim was introduced as a core layer and was sandwiched between the polyvinyl chloride plies.

In this example, surfaces of the laminate were tested for antibacterial activity against S. Aureus.

The outer surface of one of the outer plies of polyvinyl chloride was tested for antibacterial activity by the Agar Plate Method and showed a 0.2 mm. zone of inhibition.

The surfaces of a discrete, untreated film of polyvinyl chloride were then tested for antibacterial activity by the same method and showed no antibacterial activity, i.e., no zone inhibition.

The discrete, untreated film of polyvinyl chloridewas then laminated to the previously tested outer surface of one of the polyvinyl chloride plies of the first laminate to form a second laminated product. The second laminate was then tested to determine antibacterial activity on the outer surface of the untreated polyvinyl chloride film, but no activity, i.e., no zone inhibition was found.

(B) The above procedure (A) was followed except for the following variations:

1. The polyvinyl chloride plies of the first laminate contain no antibacterial agent;

2. The plastisol had incorporated therein 0.3 percent (by weight, based upon the total weight of the laminate) of the active antibacterial agent N- [(trichloromethyl)thio]-4-cyclohexene-l ,2- dicarboxamide.

One of the outer surfaces of the first laminate was tested for antibacterial activity and showed a 4.8 mm. zone of inhibition. The discrete, untreated film again showed no zone of inhibition prior to lamination.

Upon lamination of the untreated polyvinyl chloride to form the second laminate, however, the outer surface of the untreated film showed antibacterial activity by a 3.5 mm. zone of inhibition.

The foregoing examples demonstrate that the phenomenon of this invention is not inherent in the lamination of one polymer film to a pretreated polymer film,

but depends upon the proper selection and combination of polymers and active agents.

EXAMPLES 7787 for antibacterial activity employed is the NYS-63- Method.

v Examples 88-89 Examples were prepared according to construction l using 0.004 inch thick polyvinyl chloride film and TBTSS as the activating agent in the plastisol. The samples were tested for antibacterial activity on the uncoated side against S. Aureus using the 'NYS-63 Method. The results are reported in Table 4.

rated into a polymeric article by the present method. In an additional important embodiment of the invention, combinations of chemical and physical properties may be imparted to polymeric articles in accordance with the invention. For example, antibacterial, antifungal, odorous and antistatic properties may all be combined in a polymeric substrate, such as, single or multiply fabrics to provide highly desirable products for use in hospitals or other environment where such a combination of properties is extremely important. For example, a very useful laminate is provided by bonding two outer plies of 0.004 and 0.00375 inch polyvinyl chloride film to a nylon scrim reinforcing core element by use of a plastisol adhesive containing both Captan and.

Advastat to impart a combination of antibacterial and antistatic properties to the outer surfaces of the product.

Other applications of the invention to impart physical activity to polymeric materials are set forth in the examples which are reported in Table 5. In the examples, Volume Resistivity" was tested by Test Method NFPA No. 56A, para, 2,541 and 25,433(3), and Surface Resistivity was tested by Test Method NFPA No. 56A, para. 25433(3) [AATCC 76-59 Method]. The foregoing are used to determine the electrical conduc;

TABLE 4 (.oncentrntion /1 Percent Example llased on Film Reduction of Bacterial No. Antibacterial Agent Weight Side 1 Side 2 77 none 44.2 50.6 78 tributyltin neodecanoate 5.0 98.0 95.4 79 tributyltin linoleate 5.0 92.4 87.7 80 l0,10'-oxybisphenoxyarsine 5.0 99.2 99.9 81 tributyltin neodecanoate 0.5 60.3 55.l X2- tributyltin linoleate 05 60.2 52.8 83 tributyltin monopropylene- 0.5 95.6 95.9

glycol maleate 84 10.]0'-oxybisphenoxyarsine 0.5 99.2 99.6 85 tributyltin acetate 0.5 0 32.9 86 l0,l0-oxybisphenoxyursine 3.0 99.9 99.7 87 TBTSS 0.5 49.4 381 88 TBTSS 05 59 89 TBTSS 5.0 26

In another important embodiment, special physical properties may be imparted to polymeric articles in accordance with the invention. For example, antistatic and electrically conductive properties may be incorpotivity of the tested materials. Antistatic materials have a sufficiently high electrical conductivity to dissipate electrostatic charges which may be generated on their surfaces.

TABLE 5 Nominal Construction Code Film Active Agent Volume Surface Example Coating Solution No. Thickness Based On Antistatic Resistivity Resistivity No. and Substrate Polymer (inches) Total Weight Agent tohme) ohms/square 90 H Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004/0.0034 none none I X l0 9l D Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004/0.0034 1.0 Advnstat 50 "l X it)" 92 D Polyvinyl Chloride 0.004/0.0034 1.] Aston I23 5.4 X H) 93 (i Polyvinyl Chloride 0.0034/00034 none none 4.7 X 10 94 F Polyvinyl Chloride 0.0034/00034 I ll Advastat 50 L9 X l0 95 A Polyvinyl Chloride 00034100034 30 Advnstnt 50 1.5 X it)" 96 H Polyvinyl Chloride 0.00375/0.00375 none none 7.5 X l0" )7 D 0.00375/0.00375 9.6 Notion-AT 8 X lll" Polyvinyl Chloride 21 EXAMPLE 98 A multi-layer material was prepared by coating one surface of a polyvinyl chloride film, 0.0034 inches thick, with a liquid antistatic activating agent consisting l l.2 percent Advastat 50 (based on the total weight of the laminate) and laminating a second polyvinyl chloride film, 0.0034 inches thick, so as to encapsulate the Advastat 50 between the plies. A second, similar, laminate was made except that no active layer was used. The electrical conductivity of each laminate was measured after 48 hours at room temperature. The volume resistivity of the first laminate, containing the active agent, was 5.5 X 10 ohms, and of the second laminate, with no activating agent, was 3.5 X ohms. The plies of the first laminate were subsequently separated and the activating agent was completely washed off. The plies were recombined as before, but without activating agent, and the volume resistivity was measured and found to be 5.0 X 10 ohms.

EXAMPLE 99 Two layers of fiber glass fabric, Style 181/150, Volan, were impregnated with a fire resistant unsaturated thermosetting polyester compound and combined and hardened with an organic peroxide under heat and pressure to a total thickness of 0.01 7 inches. A plastisol composition containing Metasol BT at a concentration of 3 percent by weight of the final laminate was applied to one surface of the polyester/fiber glass layer and hardened at 300F for 4 minutes. The unactivated surface was tested by the NYS-63 Method and effective inhibition of S. Aureus bacteria was observed.

What is claimed is:

1. A polymeric article having insecticidal properties comprising a solid, nonporous, polymeric substrate, and

a solid, non-porous layer of a polymeric composition adherently applied to at least one surface of said substrate, said composition containing at least one insecticidal activating agent distributed within said polymeric composition and capable of migrating from said layer into and throughout said substrate, said agent being present in said layer in sufficient amount so that upon migration from said layer into said substrate an effective level of insecticidal activity is provided throughout said substrate, and on at least one other surface of said substrate which is not in direct contact with said layer.

2. The article of claim 1 wherein the amount of activating agent in said layer is in excess of the amount needed to provide an initial effective level of insecticidal activity throughout said' article. said excess amount of said agent providing a reservoir of said agent in said layer for the maintenance of an effective level of insecticidal activity'in said article by replenishment of said agent from said reservoir. i

3. The article of claim 1 wherein said substrate is a material selected from the group consisting of a lower polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl flouride, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyester urethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene chloride, polybenzimidazole, ethyleneacrylic acid copolymer ionomer, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose, polyamide, and multilayer laminated materials.

4. The article of claim 1 further comprising a second material bonded to said layer on the surface not contacted by said substrate.

5. The article of claim 1 wherein said second material is selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, plastic, particle board, paper, textile, asbestos, multilayer laminated elements, and elements which serve as a barrier to said activating agent.

6. The article of claim 1 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.

7. The article of claim 2 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.

8. The article of claim 3 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.

9. The article of claim 4 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.

10. The article of claim 5 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins. 

1. A POLYMERIC ARTICLE HAVING INSECTICIDAL PROPERTIES COMPRISING A SOLID, NON-POROUS, POLYMERIC SUBSTRATE, AND A SOLID, NON-POROUS LAYER OF A POLYMERIC COMPOSITION ADHERENTLY APPLIED TO AT LEAST ONE SURFACE OF SAID SUBSTRATE, SAID COMPOSITION CONTAINING AT LEAST ONE INSECTICIDAL ACTIVATING AGENT DISTRIBUTED WITHIN SAID POLYMERIC COMPOSITION AND CAPABLE OF MIGRATING FROM SAID LAYER INTO AND THROUGHOUT SAID SUBSTRATE, SAID AGENT BEING PRESENT IN SAID LAYER IN SUFFICIENT AMOUNT SO THAT UPON MIGRATION FROM SAID LAYER INTO SAID SUBSTRATE AN EFFECTIVE LEVEL OF INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY IS PROVIDED THROUGHOUT SAID SUBSTRATE, AND ON AT LEAST ONE OTHER SURFACE OF SAID SUBSTRATE WHICH IS NOT IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH SAID LAYER.
 2. The article of claim 1 wherein the amount of activating agent in said layer is in excess of the amount needed to provide an initial effective level of insecticidal activity throughout said article, said excess amount of said agent providing a reservoir of said agent in said layer for the maintenance of an effective level of insecticidal activity in said article by replenishment of said agent from said reservoir.
 3. The article of claim 1 wherein said substrate is a material selected from the group consisting of a lower polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl flouride, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyester urethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene chloride, polybenzimidazole, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer ionomer, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose, polyamide, and multilayer laminated materials.
 4. The article of claim 1 further comprising a second material bonded to said layer on the surface not contacted by said substrate.
 5. The article of claim 1 wherein said second material is selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, plastic, particle board, paper, textile, asbestos, multilayer laminated elements, and elements which serve as a barrier to said activating agent.
 6. The article of claim 1 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.
 7. The article of claim 2 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.
 8. The article of claim 3 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.
 9. The article of claim 4 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins.
 10. The article of claim 5 wherein said insecticidal activating agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of chlordane and pyrethrins. 